CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The game for NFC South supremacy is far from over, but Carolina has set the tone against Tampa Bay with a bowed-neck sequence that could allow it to emerge with a victory and the division lead.

Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart will go on record with the glamor of plunging in from the 2-yard line to give Carolina a 10-3 halftime lead. Yet it was the stout play of the defense, mashing attitude of the offensive line and running back DeAngelo Williams that resoundingly delivered the advantage.